Rawdon Jester is a hybrid that naturally occurs between the botanical species R. grande and R. williamsianum, but it is sterile, as is the case with most natural hybrids.
A vigorous taxon, producing 4 – 6 grouped pseudobulbs, ovoid or orbicular, laterally compressed, glaucous, 10 cm tall and 6.4 cm wide, bearing 1 – 3 apical leaves, elliptic or lanceolate, leathery, glaucous, acute, petiolate, which can reach lengths of up to 38 cm and widths of 6 – 7 cm. Upon reaching maturity, it will reach a height of 25 – 40 cm. Each new growth will develop a single flower spike, 15 – 45 cm long, with 4 – 8 flowers per inflorescence, each with a diameter of 10 – 15 cm. The sepals and petals have a golden yellow background, on which a dark brown pigmentation stands out, contrastingly resembling the appearance of tiger fur.
The species requires growing climates with moderate temperatures and does not tolerate very high temperatures well for long periods of time.
Flowering can occur in any season, each flower lasting at least 4 – 6 weeks. The flowers are not fragrant.
The parent species, namely R. grande and R. williamsianum, come from Guatemala, near the city of the same name, where they populate dark ravines at altitudes up to 2600 m above sea level.
The growth of Rossioglossum Rawdon Jester will involve providing a light intensity of 15000 – 20000 lux, somewhat less than what is needed for species of the genus Cattleya, but slightly higher than the growing light for most Paphiopedilum species.
The growing temperature will be moderate, with summer daytime values of 22 – 23 °C, and nighttime minimums of 12 – 14 °C. In the cold season, the average daytime temperature will be approximately 20 – 21 °C, and at night a minimum of 9 – 10 °C.
Relative humidity will be moderate, at 75 – 80% throughout the year.
The growing medium will consist of medium to small grain conifer bark, with an addition of moisture-retaining amendments such as perlite or pumice stone. The growing pots do not require special conditions and plastic pots can be used without any problem. The optimal time to change the growing medium and containers is when new root growth starts.
Irrigations will be abundant during the growing season, from late spring to early autumn. Fertilizations will be administered during the growing period, with a weekly frequency, at a dilution of 25 – 50% of the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
The resting period will take place in autumn, when the amount of water administered will be reduced, and the frequency will be changed from weekly to once every 2 – 3 weeks, with occasional misting as needed. During the 2 – 3 months of winter, watering will be stopped, with intervention limited to occasional misting until the initiation of new growth development. Fertilization will be completely stopped.
Rossioglossum Rawdon Jester can be purchased here (link).
Do you want to see more articles and gain more knowledge? This article is offered for free, but you can support secretgarden.ro with a review here:
Google: Review on Google
Facebook: Review on Facebook